Discipline and its roles in effective management of a school. A case study of Adisadel College, Ghana National College and Mfantstiman Girls' secondary school

Abstract

Discipline among students is an essential tool for effective teaching and learning in an educational institution. However, dealing with responsible social behavior among students in Senior Secondary Schools has been a major challenge for educational administrators in Ghana. The study investigates the courses, nature and levels of indiscipline in Mfantsiman Girls Secondary School, Saltpond, Adisadel College, Cape Coast and Ghana National College, Cape Coast. To achieve this objective, information was obtained from three (3) head masters/mistresses, twenty-three (23) teachers and one hundred and sixty six (166) students by random sampling technique. Questionnaire made of close and open-ended questions was used. The result of the study showed a high level of congruence of opinions among the teachers and students on most of the disciplinary issues. In general, students were found to be the source of major disciplinary problems in schools. To improve discipline in schools, administrators, teachers, students and the academic boards should be closely involved in formulating rules and regulations of the schools. It also demands from the students an ability to exercise self-control to be able to assess the consequences of their behaviours. This can be achieved if guidance and counseling services are made a full-time responsibility to help the students achieve self-discipline.